Method of preparing leather for sharpening cutting-instruments



' thereto.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM H. LEIVIS, OF SPENCER, VEST VIRGINIA.

METHOD OF PREPARING LEATHER FOR SHARPENING CUTTING-INSTRUMENTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 457,355, dated August 11, 1891.

Application filed October 11, 1890- Serial No. 367,838. (No specimens.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM H. LEWIS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Spenoer, in the county of Roane and State of WVest Virginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Methods of Preparing Leather for Sharpening Cutting-Instruments, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved method of preparing leather for stropping or sharpening cutting-instruments of various descriptions; but is especially designed to furnish a means whereby a barber may prepare his own strops and keep them in proper condition.

In practicing my invention I take leather of any suitable character and cut it into strips of proper length and width. The strips I tack at each end or otherwise secure to a board or base, and I then initially prepare the surface by rubbing it with pumice-stone or other abrasive material. After this operation I take an ordinary hone or other instrument and work over the face of the strop, using sufficient force to compact the surface, so as to burnish it or impart a glazed surface I then lather the strop with abrush and ordinary lather, after which I wipe it off with a dry rag or other suitable material, which removes any abrasive material that may have adhered to the surface and imparts the final finish thereto.

When' the strop becomes impaired from use, it can be restored readily to its original condition by repeating the operation before mentioned, and can thus be kept in perfect condition, so as to give a keen edge to the instrument to be sharpened.

While the invention is designed particularly to furnish a method by means of which barbers may prepare, renovate, and keep their razor-strops in order,it is evident that theinvention may be used by others using instruments requiring a keen edge, such as surgeons, for instance.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The herein-described method of preparing leather for sharpening cutting-instruments, the same consisting in first abrading the surface of the leather, then burnishing and compacting the surface thereof by means of a 'burnishing-instrument, and finally removing any remaining abrasive particles by applying a solution of soap to the prepared surface and wiping it dry, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM H. LEWIS. Witnesses:

CHAs. L. CooMBs, M. P. CALLAN. 

